Re: Stupid Question
Push the dealer as hard as you can, michaelm.
Your timing isn't perfect, but any dealer with sense should give you 5-10% off for a cash deal (no, not a brown bagful of € notes, I just mean where you're not trading in an oul' yoke that's going to cost him money to service 'n' valet and then sit taking up space on his forecourt until he sells it on... probably with a 3-month guarantee that he's going to have to stand over.)
What I mean by timing is — in December 2002 (Christmas week, actually), I bought a 01 Seat Alhambra (TDi) that they were asking €29,500 for — for €26,600 (ergo almost 10% off — and I got them to put new tyres on it and throw in a 24-month extended warranty...) At the end of any year, these guys are gaggin' for a straight cash sale. Nobody buys a brand new car at the end of the year, they'll all hold out for the next year's reg. no on their plate...
But that's just when the garage is looking for a big sale to round up their crappy figures for Nov-Dec. — and just when they have to hand out the Chrimbo bonus to all their staff...
Hang tough. If you can at all, postpone the purchase 'till closer to the end of the year. And enjoy the new motor...!
Dr. M.